Chapter 9: A New Dawn in the Palace
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The morning sunlight spilled through the small window in Aurora's room, warming her face and rousing her from sleep. Her eyes fluttered open, and for a brief moment, she forgot where she was. The soft sheets and the faint scent of lavender made her feel safe-until reality came crashing back.
The palace. The portal. Lucas.
She bolted upright, her heart pounding. The memory of the previous day-the portal, the prince's chamber, her decision to stay as his personal maid-flooded her mind. It felt surreal, like a story unfolding in someone else's life, yet it was hers.
Aurora swung her legs off the bed and rubbed her temples. "This is real," she whispered.
A soft knock at the door startled her. Before she could respond, the door creaked open, and Hillary's familiar face peeked in.
"Good morning, Aurora," Hillary said, stepping inside with a tray of bread, cheese, and tea. Her warm smile was a stark contrast to the whirlwind of emotions Aurora was feeling.
"Good morning," Aurora replied, her voice still groggy.
Hillary placed the tray on the small wooden table by the window and motioned for Aurora to sit. "I thought you might be hungry. You'll need your strength for today."
Aurora raised an eyebrow as she reached for a piece of bread. "What's happening today?"
Hillary hesitated, her smile faltering slightly. "You're officially starting your role as Prince Lucas's personal maid."
Aurora nearly choked on her bread. "Today? Already?"
Hillary nodded, her expression sympathetic. "The prince has a schedule to keep, and you're part of it now. Don't worry-I'll help you get ready."
Aurora sighed, the weight of her decision settling heavily on her shoulders. She had no experience, no training, and no idea how to serve a prince. But she had made her choice, and there was no turning back.
"Thank you, Hillary," Aurora said, her voice soft but sincere.
Hillary smiled again. "Finish your breakfast. I'll help you get dressed."
Preparing for the Day
After eating, Aurora stood by the small mirror as Hillary helped her into her maid uniform-a crisp black dress with a white apron and a matching headband. The fabric felt strange against her skin, a constant reminder of her new reality.
Hillary fussed over her, adjusting the hem of the dress and tying the apron's bow. "You'll be fine," she said reassuringly. "Prince Lucas can be...intimidating, but he's fair. Just do as he asks, and you'll be alright."
Aurora nodded, though her stomach churned with nerves.
When she was finally ready, Hillary handed her a small notebook and a pencil. "For notes," she explained. "It helps to write down his preferences. The prince likes things a certain way."
Aurora took the notebook, her hands trembling slightly.
Hillary led her through the winding corridors of the palace, the grandeur of the place still overwhelming. Aurora tried to focus on the path they took, noting landmarks like a tall vase painted with golden patterns and a large tapestry depicting a fierce battle.
They stopped in front of a tall door carved with intricate designs. Hillary turned to Aurora and whispered, "Good luck," before stepping back.
Aurora took a deep breath and knocked.
First Duties
"Come in," Lucas's deep voice called from within.
Aurora pushed the door open and stepped inside, her eyes immediately drawn to the prince. He stood by the window, his back to her, dressed in a white shirt and dark trousers. The morning sunlight highlighted his sharp features, and for a moment, Aurora forgot how to breathe.
"You're late," Lucas said without turning around.
Aurora blinked, snapping out of her daze. "I-I'm sorry, Your Highness," she stammered.
He turned to face her, his piercing blue eyes locking onto hers. "I'll let it slide this time. But don't make it a habit."
"Yes, Your Highness," she said, lowering her gaze.
Lucas gestured toward a table near the fireplace. "There's a list of tasks for you. Start with preparing my study for the meeting this afternoon. Everything must be spotless."
Aurora nodded and hurried to the table, where a neatly folded piece of paper lay. She unfolded it and scanned the list. The tasks seemed straightforward enough: cleaning the study, organizing documents, and ensuring refreshments were prepared for the meeting.
As she left the room, she couldn't shake the feeling of Lucas's gaze lingering on her.
A Challenge in the Study
The study was vast, with shelves lined with leather-bound books and a large oak desk cluttered with papers and quills. Aurora set to work, wiping down surfaces and organizing the documents as best as she could.
But as she reached for a particularly tall shelf, the stool she was standing on wobbled. She let out a yelp as she lost her balance, clutching at the shelf to steady herself.
A deep chuckle echoed behind her.
Aurora turned to see Lucas leaning against the doorway, arms crossed and a smirk on his face.
"Struggling already?" he teased.
Aurora's cheeks flushed. "I'm fine," she said quickly, stepping off the stool.
Lucas walked over and picked up a fallen book. "You should ask for help if you need it," he said, his tone softer now.
Aurora took the book from him, her fingers brushing against his. "Thank you," she murmured.
Lucas studied her for a moment before turning and leaving the room without another word.
A Revelation
As the day went on, Aurora found herself adjusting to her new role. She managed to complete her tasks without further mishaps and even received a small nod of approval from Lucas during the meeting.
But as the evening approached, she couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to Lucas than he let on. His commanding presence and sharp wit were undeniable, but there was a gentleness in his actions-a kindness that seemed at odds with his reputation.
After the meeting, Aurora was summoned back to Lucas's chamber. She found him seated by the fire, his expression unreadable.
"Sit," he said, gesturing to a chair across from him.
Aurora obeyed, her heart pounding.
"You've done well today," Lucas said after a moment. "Better than I expected."
"Thank you, Your Highness," Aurora said, her voice barely above a whisper.
Lucas leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Why did you agree to stay, Aurora? You could have left, yet you chose to remain here. Why?"
Aurora hesitated, unsure of how to answer. "I didn't have a choice," she admitted. "The portal brought me here, and I have nowhere else to go. Staying here seemed...logical."
Lucas studied her for a long moment, his expression softening. "This world can be dangerous for outsiders," he said quietly. "But as long as you're under my protection, you'll be safe."
Aurora nodded, her chest tightening at the sincerity in his voice.
"Get some rest," Lucas said, standing and moving toward the window. "Tomorrow will be another long day."
Aurora rose and curtsied before leaving the room, her mind swirling with thoughts.
A Sleepless Night
Back in her room, Aurora lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling. The events of the day replayed in her mind, from her awkward attempts at serving to Lucas's unexpected kindness.
She had entered this world by chance, but her decision to stay was shaping her destiny in ways she couldn't yet comprehend.
As sleep finally claimed her, Aurora dreamed of the portal that had brought her here-a swirling vortex of light and magic. But this time, the dream felt different, more vivid. She saw faces she didn't recognize, heard voices calling her name, and felt a sense of urgency she couldn't explain.
When she woke the next morning, the dream lingered in her mind, a reminder that her journey was far from over.
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